Greetings from BBQ. A new year has arrived with the Redskins falling short of the playoffs once again. Free agency, the draft, and training camp will be here before you know it. This is our first free agency update for the 2019 offseason. It’s very early in this process and we really don’t know how all of it will unfold.

As we get closer to free agency, things will be somewhat clearer. Will Alex Smith return from a brutal injury? What kind of changes will we see to the roster? Can we expect any changes to the coaching staff? Those are the biggest questions to be answered in the 2019 off-season.

Who will we target in free agency? Who will we re-sign? Who will we not re-sign? Who will get released? Feel free to offer your opinions and predictions.

We take the latest chatter from Redskins Park and media pundits as BBQ tries to formulate what could happen in the coming days, weeks and months.

The current Redskins cap room stands at $22.93M for 2019. This is prior to the expected cap increase of $12M to $14M from the league. Releases and re-structures will also increase the cap room.

There is a rumor that Josh Norman is willing to take a pay cut in 2019.

We know absolutely nothing on Alex Smith. Will he be ready for the 2019 season? Will he need another year to heal? Is his career over? Will he retire? Will he give the Redskins any cap relief? No one knows, but we’ll stay on top of it.

ArDarius Stewart and Carlos Henderson have a real shot at being on the roster in September - especially Stewart. Keep an eye on them.

Stewart has a very good chance of being on the final roster in September. He was drafted in the third round by the Jets in 2017. He served a two game PED suspension earlier this season, so that is a concern. Most pundits graded him as a second rounder out of Alabama. I graded him as a third rounder, but he does have the intangibles to succeed at this level.

Henderson has a small chance of being on the final roster in September as well. He was chosen in the third round by the Broncos in 2017. He has served a one game suspension for PED use earlier this season. He hasn’t played in a game yet and his chances of doing so are not good. Most pundits graded him as a third or fourth rounder and I had a fourth round grade on him.

Personal Thoughts:

The free agency update is a bit sparse for now. We’ll have regular updates and post information as it becomes available. Two mocks coming tomorrow.

0000

The simplicity in me is complicated.I live in my own little world, but that's ok. They know me here.Redskins Fan - Emeritus

Greetings from BBQ to everyone in BGO land and guests from social media – we hope you become a member here.

The 2019 NFL draft is just under four months away, but it will be here before you know it. It’s a bit early in the process, but we do have a few ideas what the team needs in late April. The process of team building never ends and BBQ is about to take a look at what could happen later this spring.

Will BBQ match or surpass the success that it had with the 2018 mocks? It will be difficult and very challenging, but it is a task that we embrace. With that kind of success, we truly believe it helps the members of BGO to focus on the players who are prospects that the Redskins are seeking. It feels good to provide everyone here with the kind of service you expect from BBQ.

We will feature two mocks each week – one that features a successful return of quarterback Alex Smith and one that features him not returning. This mock has him returning.

Without any further delays, let’s take our first look at the 2019 draft with this mock.

Round One: Montez Sweat, Edge/OLB, Mississippi St.
Sweat is a massively sized edge and most pundits rank him as the third or fourth best OLB in a very loaded class of edge rushers. He is likely to have an immediate impact and an impressive rookie season. Sweat should add about ten pounds of bulk to his frame.

Round Two: Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina St.
Harmon is an underrated receiver. He is reliable and can run all of the tree routes. Not a true number one receiver, but will still rack up impressive numbers. Can gain significant yards after the catch. A possible day one starter as a rookie. Effective on wide receiver screens and wheel routes. Needs refinement as a blocker.

Round Three: Juan Thornhill, SS, Virginia
D.J. Swearinger alienated coaches and players alike in recent weeks and the Redskins released him? Juan Thornhill can step in on day one and be even better than Swearinger. Thornhill is a smart and savvy player at strong safety. He has good size, speed, and the intangibles to excel at the next level.

Round Three (Comp Pick): Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
Lindstrom is an all-around solid guard and could be an effective starter on the left side for a decade or more. Fundamentally sound. Solid lead blocker on counter plays and sweeps/jet sweeps. Exceptional in pass protection and the rushing offense. Solid blocker downfield on screens and short passes.

Round Five: Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
Jordan Reed can’t stay healthy for an entire season it seems and Vernon Davis could be a cap casualty. Isaac Nauta is a solid route runner who can stretch the field. Dependable receiver. Blue collar type of worker who is an effective blocker in the rushing offense and on screens and downfield passes. Has the ability to leave linebackers in his dust. Has the ability to separate from slot corners.

Round Five (Comp Pick): Corbin Kaufusi, DE, Brigham Young
Kaufusi is a bit raw, but has a ton of potential. He stands 6’9” and weighs in at 285. He can add bulk to his frame and be a true defensive end or play edge. He’s strong, powerful, deceptively quick, and would likely need a year to adjust to the NFL. Kaufusi has a 6’1” sister who can likely out-lift you with considerable ease – tallness and strength runs in the family. Matt Ioannidis was a fifth round selection. Can lightning strike twice?

Round Six (Comp Pick): Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Virginia
How would you like a receiver who has running back skills and combines his talents to look like a Larry Centers and Chris Thompson type of player? Highly underrated. Lack of height will hurt him in the draft (5’8”, 200), but he has the speed and power to be a much more durable player than Thompson. He has been the leading receiver for Virginia over the years.

Round Seven: Ului Lapuaho, OT, BYU
It’s no secret that Ty Nsekhe struggled this past season in backup duty and will be in his mid-thirties this year. Ului Lapuaho at 6’7”, 330 is similar in size to Nsekhe and would bring a youthful infusion to the tackles. Hailing from the state of Utah, the massive lineman has served his Mormon mission (Australia) and is likely ready to be a quality backup at the next level.

Round Seven (Comp Pick): Kendall Blanton, TE, Missouri
Blanton doesn’t receive the same attention as Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri’s incredible tight end and one the first tight ends expected to be selected in the draft, but Blanton is slightly bigger with great hands and excellent blocking ability. Tigers coaches love his abilities and positive attitude. Even as a low round selection, Blanton should have a good career in the NFL.

The extra sixth round comp pick that the Redskins had recently was surrendered when Terrelle Pryor was released late in the season by the Jets. As a result of that transaction, the Redskins now receive a seventh round comp pick for the Will Compton signing by the Tennessee Titans. When free agency opens, the changes to the roster will also have an effect on the draft. Mocks in January look much different than mocks in the spring. For now, we can only speculate based on current team needs and performance to date.

There is your first mock of 2019. We will have another mock coming within the hour. The mocks will continue this winter and early spring, then the volume of mocks will increase as we get closer to the draft.

0100

The simplicity in me is complicated.I live in my own little world, but that's ok. They know me here.Redskins Fan - Emeritus

Greetings from BBQ to everyone in BGO land and guests from social media – we hope you become a member here.

The 2019 NFL draft is just under four months away, but it will be here before you know it. It’s a bit early in the process, but we do have a few ideas what the team needs in late April. The process of team building never ends and BBQ is about to take a look at what could happen later this spring.

Will BBQ match or surpass the success that it had with the 2018 mocks? It will be difficult and very challenging, but it is a task that we embrace. With that kind of success, we truly believe it helps the members of BGO to focus on the players who are prospects that the Redskins are seeking. It feels good to provide everyone here with the kind of service you expect from BBQ.

We will feature two mocks each week – one that features a successful return of quarterback Alex Smith and one that features him not returning. This mock has him not returning – whether it be by PUP, IR, or forced retirement.

Without any further delays, let’s take our second look at the 2019 draft with this mock.

Round One: A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
The Redskins need playmakers on offense, especially wide receiver. A.J. Brown is one of the best in the 2019 draft and he would have an immediate and positive effect on the receiving corps. Decent separation from corners and safeties. Effective on all routes. Strong hands. Significantly improved on his drop rate from the previous season. Very smart after the catch and can gain extra yardage. Can actually improve at the next level.

Round Two: Brett Rypien, QB, Boise St.
Rypien is probably the most pro-ready player in this draft, but there is still room to grow and learn. Quick release makes him difficult to sack. Solid mechanics. Decent accuracy. Superb pocket passer and solid pocket awareness. Able to go through his progressions quickly, effectively, and cleanly. Good mobility and can extend plays as needed. Hits receivers in stride, thus allowing for extra yards after the catch. Needs to learn how to deal with pressure and should add about ten to fifteen pounds of bulk to his frame.

Round Three: Juan Thornhill, SS, Virginia
D.J. Swearinger alienated coaches and players alike in recent weeks and the Redskins released him? Juan Thornhill can step in on day one and be even better than Swearinger. Thornhill is a smart and savvy player at strong safety. He has good size, speed, and the intangibles to excel at the next level.

Round Three (Comp Pick): Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
Lindstrom is an all-around solid guard and could be an effective starter on the left side for a decade or more. Fundamentally sound. Solid lead blocker on counter plays and sweeps/jet sweeps. Exceptional in pass protection and the rushing offense. Solid blocker downfield on screens and short passes.

Round Five: Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
Jordan Reed can’t stay healthy for an entire season it seems and Vernon Davis could be a cap casualty. Isaac Nauta is a solid route runner who can stretch the field. Dependable receiver. Blue collar type of worker who is an effective blocker in the rushing offense and on screens and downfield passes. Has the ability to leave linebackers in his dust. Has the ability to separate from slot corners.

Round Five (Comp Pick): Corbin Kaufusi, DE, Brigham Young
Kaufusi is a bit raw, but has a ton of potential. He stands 6’9” and weighs in at 285. He can add bulk to his frame and be a true defensive end or play edge. He’s strong, powerful, deceptively quick, and would likely need a year to adjust to the NFL. Kaufusi has a 6’1” sister who can likely out-lift you with considerable ease – tallness and strength runs in the family. Matt Ioannidis was a fifth round selection. Can lightning strike twice?

Round Six (Comp Pick): Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Virginia
How would you like a receiver who has running back skills and combines his talents to look like a Larry Centers and Chris Thompson type of player? Highly underrated. Lack of height will hurt him in the draft (5’8”, 200), but he has the speed and power to be a much more durable player than Thompson. He has been the leading receiver for Virginia over the years.

Round Seven: Ului Lapuaho, OT, BYU
It’s no secret that Ty Nsekhe struggled this past season in backup duty and will be in his mid-thirties this year. Ului Lapuaho at 6’7”, 330 is similar in size to Nsekhe and would bring a youthful infusion to the tackles. Hailing from the state of Utah, the massive lineman has served his Mormon mission (Australia) and is likely ready to be a quality backup at the next level.

Round Seven (Comp Pick): Kendall Blanton, TE, Missouri
Blanton doesn’t receive the same attention as Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri’s incredible tight end and one the first tight ends expected to be selected in the draft, but Blanton is slightly bigger with great hands and excellent blocking ability. Tigers coaches love his abilities and positive attitude. Even as a low round selection, Blanton should have a good career in the NFL.

The extra sixth round comp pick that the Redskins had recently was surrendered when Terrelle Pryor was released late in the season by the Jets. As a result of that transaction, the Redskins now receive a seventh round comp pick for the Will Compton signing by the Tennessee Titans. When free agency opens, the changes to the roster will also have an effect on the draft. Mocks in January look much different than mocks in the spring. For now, we can only speculate based on current team needs and performance to date.

There is your second mock of 2019. We will have two mocks again next Friday. The mocks will continue to be posted this winter and early spring, then the volume of mocks will increase as we get closer to the draft.

Last edited by Burgundy Burner; 01-04-19 at 04:45 PM.

0100

The simplicity in me is complicated.I live in my own little world, but that's ok. They know me here.Redskins Fan - Emeritus

BB...believe it or not....I see/hope the Skins go high/very high for a corner back. no one in that secondary can cover. we need a lock down guy. I don't see CB in either of your mocks. you don't see this as a need?

I don’t know if Brett Rypien is a good QB or not, but I could definitely see the Redskins drafting him because of his name. The nephew of the hero of the last Super Bowl. Yeah, that’s happening.

Let me be clear. I’m not saying drafting him is wrong. I really don’t know. If he’s a good QB, the Redskins need a good young QB. He might be the guy. I just think his name will carry more weight than it should with this front office.

Corner is simply not a need. Josh Norman likely comes back and he is a good corner. Quinton Dunbar is a very good corner and he returns. Fabian Moreau played very well down the stretch and improved greatly in 2018. Greg Stroman had a rough start, but he was solid down the stretch. Adonis Alexander did a good job on special teams and will now have an entire off-season to work in the secondary.

The Rypien name is of no consequence. I have watched two of his games and many hours of video. My assessment lines up with other draft pundits and media gurus.

0000

The simplicity in me is complicated.I live in my own little world, but that's ok. They know me here.Redskins Fan - Emeritus

Corner is simply not a need. Josh Norman likely comes back and he is a good corner. Quinton Dunbar is a very good corner and he returns. Fabian Moreau played very well down the stretch and improved greatly in 2018. Greg Stroman had a rough start, but he was solid down the stretch. Adonis Alexander did a good job on special teams and will now have an entire off-season to work in the secondary.

The Rypien name is of no consequence. I have watched two of his games and many hours of video. My assessment lines up with other draft pundits and media gurus.

Over Will Grier, huh?

0100

The more things change...the more they stay the same. It's like deja vu all over again.

Corner is simply not a need. Josh Norman likely comes back and he is a good corner. Quinton Dunbar is a very good corner and he returns. Fabian Moreau played very well down the stretch and improved greatly in 2018. Greg Stroman had a rough start, but he was solid down the stretch. Adonis Alexander did a good job on special teams and will now have an entire off-season to work in the secondary.

The Rypien name is of no consequence. I have watched two of his games and many hours of video. My assessment lines up with other draft pundits and media gurus.

Well, among friends, I disagree vehemently. Norman had his arse handed to him on almost every inside slant run against him this past season. I don't see one upper tier man on man cover guy on the roster. From what I saw we played a lotta zone and blitzed a lot to make up for a weaker than average secondary. We all know, especially with Swearinger (like him or not) gone, that safety remains the problem it has been since Sean was murdered. Dunbar looks good by comparison to the others who are so average.

This defense will not move to top 10, IMO, without better corners - the only way around an average secondary is top tier pass rush and gambling with blitzes. We did that a lot this past season and got our heads handed to us. It also exposed our LBs who can't cover worth a dang.

Not probing at you my man. Just keeping to my belief that the offense is a longer-term project and will continue to suck for a couple years - or longer depending on when we land a good QB. Surest path to having some semblance of hope is completing the build process on the defense first. Don't folllow the Redskin approach of patching the tire with the least air - this ad hoc approach to roster building hasn't worked.

Build a championship defense this year. Find a QB, wideouts and backup players on offense over the next two years and then make a run for the SB.

You're right. We disagree on the corners, but not for the reasons you think. My mocks and FA predictions (not as much as the mocks) are taken in mind with what the team is focused on - not me, not you, not any other fan. The focus is on what the team could do and not on our whims and wishes. That is my job here and at Riggo's Rag.

Like it or not, I am now aligned with the media (albeit, from a fan's viewpoint) and must be objective.

I will answer all of your questions/responses - not directly, but through updates, reports, and sharing of information.

0100

The simplicity in me is complicated.I live in my own little world, but that's ok. They know me here.Redskins Fan - Emeritus

Apke is one of the ones on your list, that I have a hard time imagining us releasing him, considering all this

very thin at safety position
we spent a 4th round pick on him
it's only been one season with him
as we all know, he's got the athletic traits, and the attitude traits
he's a player that we knew going into it, would take time to develop fully

Will Grier may go in the first round, but he is not a first rounder. Yes, he shined in the Big12 - a conference that has almost no emphasis on defense.

He was in a system that did not rely too much on making progressions - a definite weakness for him.

He takes too many sacks and throws into tight coverage a bit too much.

Questionable arm strength.

Horrible mechanics, but has decent footwork and above average mobility.

Played in a wild and crazy system, none of which will translate to the NFL.

It's still really early, and only one thing is certain. As always, QBs will fly up the board in the last week as the draft approaches.

Many of the most recent mocks now have the Patriots taking him at the bottom of the first.

We're kind of stuck. He might be a reach at 15, but he won't be there when we pick in the second.

6 of the 8 teams playing this weekend picked their QBs in the first round. Do we just give up on the season with our current QBs or does the FA take a shot and try to sell some tickets? I tend to think he has to be the favorite at the moment.

When I watch him play I see Brett Favre. Most scouts liken him to Baker Mayfield.